Gokyo Everest Base Camp Trek

The Gokyo, Cho La & Everest Base Camp Trek with Incredible Himlayan Sherpa Adventures leads you to the magnificent Gokyo valley and its stunning high altitude lakes, the Cho La pass and, of course, the famous Everest Base Camp. It is a challenging trek that offers it all – mountains, culture and history.

The trek starts from Lukla, following the flight from Kathmandu. Like most treks in the region, Lukla serves as the gateway. We then make our way up to Namche Bazaar where we leave the Everest trail and head for Dole and Machermo instead. Magnificent views of Ama Dablam, Cholatse in the East and eventually Cho Oyu to the North open up as we approach Gokyo. But we then only get to the real highlights of this trek: the Gokyo lakes, the highest freshwater lake system in the world and of course Gokyo Ri, a rocky hill that allows for an unforgettable panorama including views of Mount Everest. We will also get a close look at the enormous glacier running down from the flanks of Cho Oyu and the surrounding mountains. We cross this glacier and then tackle the Cho La pass (5,420m). From the top, you’ll have some remarkable views of Cholatse and Lobuche East and West. We then descend heading for Lobuche and ultimately Gorak Shep form where we can reach Everest base camp and (if you still feel up for it) Kala Pathar (5,554m). This is another rocky hill on a ridge running down from Pumori which offers a magnificent panorama of Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Pumori, Nuptse and many more famous mountains as well as the Khumbu glacier. We then slowly descend back towards Namche Bazaar and Lukla.

Incredible Himalayan Sherpa Adventure provides you with an experienced, local guide that not only leads you on the trail but introduces you to the rich Sherpa culture. This tour captures the highlights of the Khumbu region. Of course, because of the altitude and the terrain (especially at the Cho La), this trek can be challenging. But the unique views and serenity next to the unspoiled lakes will be worth it.

All our treks can be booked as private trips - no large, impersonal groups but small, individual experiences. Let Incredible Himalayan Sherpa Adventure take you on your very own adventure trek to Gokyo, the Cho La pass and Mount Everest.

Highlights:

Admire Mount Everest and some of the highest mountains in the world

Explore the Gokyo lakes, the highest fresh water lake system in the world

Day 13:

Day 14:

Day 15:

Day 17:

Departure from Kathmandu

Trek Duration:

Standard itinerary – 17 days. Can be shortened or extended depending on time and fitness

Included Services

+ All airport transfers. We’ll pick you up personally+ Accommodation in a quality 3* hotel with breakfast in Kathmandu [upgrade possible]+ Sightseeing in Kathmandu by private vehicle and professional English speaking guid+ Private trek with an English speaking trekking guide+ 1 porter (between two clients) to carry your luggage during the trek (max 20 kg; i.e. 10kg pP)+ Full board meals (Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner) during the trek+ Accommodation during the trek in carefully selected teahouses+ Trekking permit and TIMS+ First Aid kit+ Guides’ and porters’ medical and accidental insurance

Excluded Services

- International Airfare to and from your country- Nepal Visa fee for on arrival entry visa (US$ 25 or equivalent for 15 days, US$ 40 for 30 days & US$ 100 for 90 days. You also require 2 passport sized photos)- Travel & Health Insurance [needs to cover Emergency Helicopter Rescue at altitude]- Lunch & Dinner in Kathmandu- Any alcoholic beverages, cold drinks and boiled mineral water as well as snacks, deserts etc. during the trek- Tips for Guide & Porter (not mandatory but expected)- Hot shower, battery charges (available at extra cost in lodges, sometimes free)- Unforeseen expenses not under our control such as flight cancellations or delays, weather related issues, illness during the trek, rescue costs etc. - Any other costs not specifically included. Please feel free to ask if in doubt.

Equipment

Trekking Equipment

Have a kindly bring following stated equipment for the camping/tented trek. The equipment you can buy in Kathmandu with different quality in good price.

Luggage:

01 large duffel bag: The Luggage is for to carry all your personal gear on the trekking. Should be strong and durable. The best size would be around 30" x 14", with a full-length zipper and handles.

1 rucksack or day pack: The bag is for to accommodate a sweater, rain gear, water bottle, camera and accessories and any miscellaneous items you need to have during the day. We recommend a pack with at least 1450cu. In capacity, or smaller if you are not carrying a large amount of camera equipment.

Head and Face Gear:

1. Sunhat

2. A Bandana

3. Sunglasses

4. Warm hat

5. Sunscreen with a very high SPF factor

6. Lip balm with a high SPF factor

7. An emergency light

Hands:

1. Lightweight gloves

Inner Clothing:

1. T-shirts

2. Thermal underwear- Top and bottom. Synthetic is best

3. Underwear

4. 2 shorts

5. 2 Trousers- (comfortable) One thin, one thick and warm

Outer Clothing:

1. down Jacket

2. Fleece Jacket (or a windproof jacket)

3. Waterproof jacket with a hood (or a poncho)

4. Waterproof pants

5. Baggy pants

6. 2 pairs of gloves/mittens (1 thin and 1 thick)

7. 1 sweater to be worn under the fleece jacket

Footwear:

1. Light weight walking boots- (leather is recommended)

2. Spare laces

3. 2 pairs of thick woolen socks.

4. 2 pairs of thin socks to be worn under the woolen socks

5. One pair of sandals or comfortable shoes for camp

Drinking Equipment:

1. Water Bottle

Purification equipment-Boiled drinking water will be provided but further purification with iodine or purification tablets is highly recommended.

Useful Information

Your Meals During the Trek

During long treks, good nutrition is very important. Beyond the practical aspects, delicious food enhances every holiday. At Incredible Himalayan Sherpa Adventures, we make sure you experience high quality, locally sourced dishes. While most guest houses offer a wide variety of food, we highly recommend the local options which are freshly prepared from locally farmed produce. Popular dishes include Tsampak (the roasted flour of ground barley) with butter and the salted Tibetan tea, Sengong (paste of buckwheat flour with hot water) with Himalaya Nettle or garlic soup which can be very invigorating after a long day. And for your carbs, some boiled chilly potatoes – if you can stand the heat. Please inform us of special dietary needs but keep in mind that the trek leads through remote areas and it will not always be possible to meet specific requirements. In this case you might have to bring suitable meals instead.

Individual vs Group Trips

Our trips are calculated as private treks. You will have your own guide and can determine your own itinerary. This gives you the most flexibility. If you, however, prefer to join a group, depending on dates and routes, this can be organized as well.

Flexible Timing

The flight from Kathmandu to Lukla significantly reduces the journey time compared to the trek via Jiri (which we also offer). The flight is the shortest and most popular way of gaining access to the region but the mountain weather is notoriously unpredictable and sometimes even during the best part of the season, flights are delayed or postponed for one or more days. We can also arrange for a Heli charter from Kathmandu to Lukla instead but this adds significant extra cost. We highly recommend that you take potential delays into account and allow for an extra day in Kathmandu.